2014/05/15

Grand Memories

Decades ago after admiring it from the rim we hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and my memories of that are still powerful. As we reached the footbridge across the Colorado to Bright Angel Camp, dusk had deepened into night and lights twinkling like fairy dust beckoned us to rest under the sparkling stars. Climbing back up after two days’ rest was arduous, even with frequent pauses singing into the echoes. All these memories are clear, yet every view since (whether from the rim or forced too far up here by flight restrictions) has had haze like this.

6524 Over The Canyon

In front of the distant clouds, Zubair and family reached the Colorado first. We’d all be excited to finally fly across the main canyon, yet it was less grand than our memories. I found myself yearning to fly it again after a rainy Spring on a crystal clear day. Still, the haze and smog diminished over the river on this our first flight across that river we first crossed on foot.

6527 Crossing the River

As always, looking back nearing the south rim the sun angle made a big difference in the camera’s view through the haze.

6545 Looking Back

A rain squall on the horizon brushed this view that came closest to our memories. Many times since this flight, we’ve talked about making the four hour flight back on a clear day. Maybe even repeat our hike down, or try to find funds for a raft trip. But for now we’re enjoying these new additions to our Grand memories, and the in many ways more spectacular flight up Marble Canyon as you’ll see in the pix of that in an upcoming post.